Gross: Real Madrid is the largest club in the world, we need to show top performance

In the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, Dortmund will play against Real Madrid. Before the game, Dortmund midfielder Gross accepted an interview with the media.

How do you view Dortmund's chances of winning and advancing to the semifinals?

"I think it will be an extremely exciting game. It took a little time to get into the game, but now this quarter-final against Real Madrid is an important game, and I'm looking forward to it, and we want to advance. Of course, this requires a lot of factors: Real Madrid is the largest club in the world, with an absolute top star. We need to show top performance, we need to improve ourselves again, and a little luck in the game. We have to be good at defending and seize the opportunities we get. Real Madrid has world-class players, and I'm really excited to test our strength. Even if they play the ultimate ball-handling style, maybe we can use the space behind them. In football games of this level, it's often the details that determine success or failure."

You have played at the Mets Stadium in the group stage. Is this an advantage?

"Every stadium here is different. But yes, we played here before, and that helps us. The ball doesn't bounce too much, but now we know that. Ultimately, it's the same for everyone. We just need to adapt to the conditions as soon as possible, including the heat, but none of these should be an excuse. You need to take the ball and have to manage your fitness a little bit."